EDMOND, Okla. – The No. 18 UAB men’s golf team is in second place after the first round of the 2014 Conference USA Championships at the Oak Tree Golf Club on Sunday. UAB recorded a 290 (+10) for the first 18 holes of play and is two strokes back of leader Tulsa.

“Paul had a fabulous even-par day,” head coach Alan Murray said. “There were very high winds and the course was playing really tough. He showed his class in being able to out up a good number despite not putting as well as would have liked.”

Conditions were a challenge on the fist day at the par-70, 6,861-yard course. Play was delayed four hours due to inclement weather before golfers could hit the course.

As Murray stated, junior Paul Dunne had a great day for the Blazers. The 2014 Palmer Cup invitee finished in 70 strokes (E) and is in a tie for third place individually. With his 17th round at or under par this season, Dunne sits three strokes behind individual leader, Logan McCracken of Tulsa.

Redshirt senior Thomas Sutton and sophomore Martin Rohwer both finished three-over par for the day. The pair is tied for 14th place heading into the second day of competition.

“Martin and Thomas played really fine rounds,” commented Murray. “73 was as high as they could have shot, to be honest.”

Seniors Wilson McDonald and Sam Love wrapped up the Blazers’ lineup. McDonald recorded a 74 (+4) and is tied for 24th place, while Love shot a 78 (+8) and is in 44th.

“If we can eliminate the bigger number that cost us today, then we will have a great chance of winning,” concluded Murray. “The conditions are so tough that it is a real challenge to maintain concentration and a good attitude. The lads did very well at that today. If we can maintain that I will be really pleased.”

UAB will get back on the course at 8:45 a.m. on Monday. Live stats will be available via Golfstat.com.